Puno is a city in southeastern Peru, located at the edge of Titicaca Lake, the world's highest navigable lake, at 3,860 m (12,421 ft) above sea level. It is also the capital and largest city of the Puno region and the Puno province.
Before the expansion of the Inca's Empire, Puno, in the southernmost part of Peru, was home to the Tiwanaku culture, the apex of Aymara human development, as shown by archaeological remains discovered in the area.
Puno is also believed to have been the cradle of the Inca civilization, as legend has it that Manco Capac, the first Inca, rose from the waters of Titicaca Lake, under the orders of the Sun God, to found the Inca Empire.
The main attractions are the Cathedral, San Juan Bautista Church, Yavari, Titicaca Lake, Sillustani, Pucara, Amantani, Lampa, Ilave, Juliaca, Pomata, Taquile, Chucuito and Juli.
The average temperature is 32ºF through 64ºF.
Festivities:
- January 6: Fair of Alacitas
- January third Thursday: Tribute to Mother Earth Festival
- February 2: Virgin of Candlemas Festival
- February: Carnival
- May 2: Festival of the Cross
- May 3: International Fair of Alacitas
- June 21: Aymara New Year
- July 26: Patronal Fest of St James Apostle
- October 24: Anniversary of Juliaca
- November 1-7: Puno's Tourism Week
- November 5: Scenes of the Legend of Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo
Best Tours including a Puno visit:
More information:
Hotels in Puno:
